Brattirò
Discovering Brattirò: a town of history and nature
Brattirò is a small town of the province of Vibo Valentia with a population of only 791 inhabitants. Located on a hill at 339 meters above sea level, it is connected to the city of Tropea by the Provincial Road 18. Despite its small size, the town offers visitors the opportunity to discover its ancient history and admire the beauty of its countryside.
Physical geography
Brattirò's location, overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, makes it the ideal place to enjoy breathtaking views. The hill on which Brattirò stands allows visitors to have a bird's eye view of the surrounding countryside, characterized by olive groves, vineyards, and citrus groves.
Territory
Agriculture represents the main source of economic income for the town, with numerous farms dedicated to the production of typical products such as extra virgin olive oil, wine, and citrus fruits. Visitors can taste these delicacies by visiting local farms.
Origin of the name
The origin of the name Brattirò has several hypotheses, but one of the most accredited is that it derives from the Greek "britarium," meaning "that springs," referring to a water source near the town. However, there are also other interpretations, such as the one that derives it from the Latin word "pratum," meaning "plain."
History
The history of Brattirò dates back to the Byzantine domination in the 10th century. The town has seen many peoples and dominations, including the Greeks, who built the famous "Vajuni", ditches that allowed rainwater to flow towards the sea. During the Aragonese domination, the population of Brattirò joined a band of brigands to fight the Angevins but was then defeated with a massacre ordered by Charles V. Over the centuries, Brattirò experienced prosperous periods alternating with dark periods, until it became part of the municipality of Drapia after the Unification of Italy.
Monuments and places of interest
Among the monuments of Brattirò stands out the Church of Saints Cosma and Damiano, a destination for frequent pilgrimages. Inside the church, there are valuable frescoes and valuable wooden sculptures. Not far from the town center, there are also the remains of an ancient fountain dating back to the 18th century.
Nature and landscapes
The landscapes of Brattirò, characterized by the countryside surrounding the town, are perfect for nature lovers who want to see the colors and scents of typical southern Italian agriculture. Among the centuries-old olive groves and vineyards, visitors can hike or bike to discover ancient farmhouses or reach panoramic points where to take fantastic photographs.
Experience the town to the fullest
A visit to Brattirò cannot fail to taste the typical products of the town, such as olive oil, goat cheese, and prickly pears. Visitors can also participate in the town's festivals, such as the Patron's festival, which takes place every year between September and October and offers the opportunity to taste typical dishes and watch music and dance performances.
In summary, Brattirò is a place where history blends with nature, and where visitors can taste the authentic flavors of southern Italy. Don't miss the opportunity to visit this small jewel of Calabria!
